The Secrets of Success for Running for Student Council

Taking advantage of leadership role opportunities throughout high school is important for college applications, and for developing real life skills that transfer over into your future success. A majority of high schools — such as private boarding schools — provide such opportunities via student government. This includes different leadership roles from president to vice-president, secretary and so on.

 

Student government – or student council as it’s often referred as at Wasatch Academy— administers prestigious leadership roles for students, but the positions aren’t just handed out to volunteers. You must meet certain requirements, apply, run a campaign, and demonstrate that you are capable of accelerating in that position. It’s important to know how to properly run for student council at private boarding schools and elsewhere before jumping into it blindside. So here are some important tips to keep in mind.

 

Develop a Campaign

 

First, before you even begin to develop a campaign, learn the requirements. More often then not, to run for student council you must have a certain GPA, be available for scheduled meetings, and have a clean student record in terms of disciplinary actions.

 

Learn About The Positions

 

Once you have checked your eligibility to run, learn about the different positions and what each job involves. For example, if you decide you want to run for school president, it is important that you learn about what all that position do. You can do this by talking to current or past student council members. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the student counsel advisor or other administrators at private boarding schools, to explain the jobs and roles of the position of your interest. It’s crucial you educate yourself as much as possible for even applying. You want to thoroughly understand the leadership position you are running for before hand.  

 

The Application Process

 

Next, most private boarding schools and high schools require applications or petitions before you can run for the position. Complete any required applications or paperwork completely and on time. Provide recommendations, student signatures — if necessary — and any other personal achievements that qualify you for the position.

Create Your Campaign

 

Now, for the fun part, begin crafting a campaign. The point of a campaign is to demonstrate to the student body who you are as an individual, what you plan to do if elected, and why they should vote for you. This is where it becomes important to reach out to other students. Find out what they want from you as a student council member, and develop relationships with any array of students with different interests.

 

Successful student council campaigns at private boarding schools and elsewhere are focused on reaching the student body. Set a budget, find volunteers to help you, create slogans and posters — or other forms of advertisement — and create a solid platform for your campaign that revolves around consistent messages, ideas, and concerns.

 

Remember that while it’s important to advertise yourself appropriately and promote your leadership abilities, it is just as important to connect with the student body and find out what they want from a student council leader. 

Alyssa Koenig is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.